Best restaurants near Etihad Arena: Where to fuel up ahead of concerts

Time Out Abu Dhabi

a day ago

Etihad Arena is buzzing most days of the week with award ceremonies, mega concerts, and even UFC and NBA.
All that buzzing, however, means lots and lots of hungry – and thirsty – visitors on Yas Island.
Luckily, the island is jam-packed with lots of brilliant bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena (something our waistlines and the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist can attest to).
So whether you're in the area for a show or just popping in, here are the best bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena – according to our official list of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Bonus: All of the spots on this list are within a short walking distance of the arena, making it perfect for fuelling up pre- or post-concert.
Bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners
Art Market
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. But it's not just breakfast here: this place is licensed so you can get drinks all day as well as an all-day menu.
Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, artmarketco.ae (052 917 1523).
Bua Thai Café
Credit: Bua Thai Café
Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup.
We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158).
Nuri
Credit: NURI Grill & Bar
Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks.
Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours.
Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151).
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended
Barbossa
Credit: Barbossa
If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of a good time then you've come to the right place at Barbossa.
Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink (it's one of our favourite nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi).
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068).
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views.
Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, thetrilogybybuddhabar.com (050 601 1194).
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Shortlisted
Bushra by Buddha-Bar
We've mentioned The Trilogy already, and Bushra by Buddha-Bar is yet another must-visit restaurant near Etihad Arena. Bushra has an exciting Middle Eastern menu and dishes are well-crafted and delicious. Dive straight into the mezze – the muhamarra is a standout – before making your way through the grills and creative desserts.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, thetrilogybybuddhabar.com (050 601 1195).
Daikan Izakaya
Another eatery serving up delicious Asian dishes on Yas Island is Daikan. You'll find Abu Dhabi's first branch of the Dubai favourite on the pier at Yas Bay, but unlike the Dubai OG, in Abu Dhabi, Daikan takes the form of an izakaya (including drinks licence), expanding on its menu to include a wider variety of dishes. It's still small in scope, but a touch more varied, featuring a handful of starters and salads; small plates including gyoza, avocado steak and a katsu chili bao; sushi and sashimi; different kinds of ramen, and a charcoal grill.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Bay (022 358 680).
EL&N London
If you're on the hunt for the pinkest desserts in town, look no further than EL&N London at Yas Bay Waterfront (you literally can't miss it). This ultra-pink, Instagram-worthy spot is perfect for those who love all things bright and bubbly. EL&N's space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a big dessert menu, and more pink than you can imagine. From indulgent French toast for breakfast to a hearty s'mores cookie pan or the Dutch baby pancake – and of course, the colourful drinks like the blue sapphire iced latte.
Unlicensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, elnlondon.com (02 883 9395).
Hanar
Brought to us by the same team behind the well-loved Daikan, this Mesopotamian-meets-Anatolian spot is so undeniably cosy and comfy, that you'll find yourself wanting to spend all afternoon or evening there. For mains, you can't miss the lamb neck. Served with a touch of theatre as the chefs deconstruct it right at your table, revealing tender morsels of meat from the bone, it's well-seasoned and generous enough for two to share. In the mood for something smaller? The lamb chops deliver on flavour.
When dessert rolls around, expect something a little different: a deconstructed baklava cream cheese. It's a unique twist on the classic, balancing all the sweetness with a whole lot of texture. Plus, it couldn't be closer to Etihad Arena unless it was inside the actual venue.
Licensed. Yas Bay. hanar.ae, (02 639 0017).
Hunter & Barrel
Credit: Hunter & Barrel
With its elegant façade, carnivorous menu and epic location set directly against the twinkling water of the marina, Hunter & Barrel has carved out a reputation as one of Abu Dhabi's top steak restaurants. Originally hailing from Dubai, this Australian steakhouse has a focus on sharing, with signature grills and meat cuts served on communal boards, so make sure you order a bunch of stuff to share.
Its burgers are also some of the best in the business if you're looking to shake things up a bit.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, hunterandbarrel.ae (02 886 8299).
McCafferty's
Super popular since it opened in 2023, McCafferty's is a crowd favourite any day of the week. The pub has 10 different hops and apple-based beverages on tap, but you can also order bottled hops, alongside grapes by the glass or bottle and short measures. On the food front, you can expect all your pub favourites, such as chicken wings, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.
Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, mccaffertysyas.com (058 598 3623).
Neighborhood Café & Bar
A super laid-back spot to refuel in between adventures on Yas Island, Neighborhood serves up good vibes all day long. Expect hearty breakfasts, unrestrained desserts, and everything in between – think comfort food with a creative twist, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you're after a quick coffee, a long lunch, or a cheeky drink with friends, this stylish licensed café nails the mix of chill and charm. Bonus: it's got that artsy Yas energy too.
Licensed. Yas Creative Hub. (02 585 8065).
Osmo Lounge & Bar
Credit: Osmo Lounge & Bar
Yas Island may be best known for its impressive array of adrenaline-fuelled activities, but if you're after something a little more relaxing, head to the Hilton Abu Dhabi's Osmo Lounge & Bar.
From a popular afternoon tea to Bubbles & Beats on Fridays when you can pick from a selection of delicious bar bites, it's a great spot if you want a bit of luxury before heading to your show or gig.
Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @osmolounge (02 208 6900).
Paradiso
Shortlisted in our Best Italian category, Paradiso does not only serve up delicious Italian fare but also pretty spectacular views over Yas Bay. Do try chef Nicole's famous linguine and the frosted lemon Paradiso – the refreshing burst of citrus goes down just as smoothly as a shot of Italian lemon short drink and does a splendid job of leaving you refreshed on a hot day.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com.
Zeera by Buddha-Bar
As to be expected from the Buddha Bar brand, the recipes and preparations at this contemporary restaurant have a unique twist, while there are occasional hints of more traditional influences too. Home to perhaps the most picturesque setting of all Indian restaurants in the city, it sits pretty on Yas Bay Waterfront and serves up stunning sunsets alongside sharing-style plates, biryanis and traditional tandoori grills to name a few.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, zeera-abudhabi.com (050 601 1193).
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